According to Reuters, the aircraft radioed the Istanbul control tower that it landing gear would not open. The tower then guided the pilot down, who was able to keep the plane on the runway.
The nose of the aircraft could be seen hitting the tarmac after the main back wheels landed on the runway. Sparks and smoke flew from the point of contact for a brief moment before the aircraft came to a complete stop.
According to the SKYbrary aviation database, this maneuver is an emergency drill practiced by pilots in the event that an aircraft's nosegear does not deploy.
The runway on which the incident occurred was temporarily closed to air traffic while other runways at the airport remained open and operating normally, according to the airport operator IGA. There were no casualties or injuries reported from the incident.
Per Reuters, the aircraft was 10 years old and one of the most common cargo planes. It was traveling from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The Turkish transport ministry said that its teams were examining the scene as part of the ongoing investigation but did not give any further details.
Boeing stated it was cooperating with the investigation and would "provide additional information as it is available" but directed all other inquiries to FedEx.
Reuters also said that "Manufacturers are not typically involved in the operation or maintenance of jets once they enter service."
